Better to buy the kits or make you own

[MMKS55]

Another newbie here...sorry. I want to get started making biodiesel as soon as i can. Im going to order Girl Mark's book and I need to know which way is better for making my processor...should I buy one of the kits or just make it myself? Is using the hot water heater the best? I only need to make about 30 gallons per batch. Are there any particular types of restaraunts to stay away from. Any ideas, thoughts or examples are appreciated.

[StorminNorman]

Just get your own 50 gallon water heater and buy the parts locally. You will save a few bucks and won't need to pay shipping. And yes, the water heater processor is the easiest to build. All the holes are there and in the correct places. I bought mine at HD on sale for $180. I could not find one used that was without leaks.

Most people like oriental restaurants for oil. I get my best from a steakhouse. Condition of the oil is going to depend on how much they use it before changing. Best bet is to titrate the oil before even approaching the manager about getting it. If it looks yellow, creamy or streaked leave it and go on down the road.

Norman

[01stroker]

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...should I buy one of the kits or just make it myself?

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I wouldn't spend $1000's on a unit when you can build one for less than $500 or even cheaper. You may be able to pick up a free water heater. There are some kits for sale that are reasonable that you can assemble. See Here for some links and Here and do a lot of reading. The book is great.

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Is using the hot water heater the best?

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In my opinion (and almost everyone here), yes.

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Are there any particular types of restaraunts to stay away from.

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Best way is just take a sample of oil at a place and titrate it to see how it is. You will read about this in the book and on the links above.

Best advice is to read, read and read some more and make your decisions on everything.

[ToddT]

You're on the right track with buying Girl Mark's book and building an Appleseed processor. I picked up a brand new water heater for free from a locally owned home supply. I've been told folks are known for buying new electric water heaters and wiring them up before putting water in them. Result: burned up heating elements.

They return the water heater as faulty. I have a feeling the manufacturers don't waste the expense of return freight. So, the lumberyard I visited had about a dozen water heaters. I picked up a 40 gallon and a 50 gallon electric water heater as well as an 80 gallon gas water heater for use with a solar water heating system I'm designing for my biodiesel processing heat.

Lowe's and Home Depot did not have the returned water heaters available.

Todd T